Induction of apoptosis in AK-5 cells by rotenone involves participation of caspases.

AK-5 tumour cells undergo apoptosis after treatment with rotenone an electron transport inhibitor and oligomycin which inhibits mitochondrial ATPases. Apoptotic process involves the induction of caspases 2 and 3, whereas caspase 1 does not seem to be participating in rotenone/oligomycin induced apoptosis. DEVD which is a specific inhibitor of caspase 3, inhibited apoptosis in AK-5 cells. We have also observed a significant lowering of intracellular pH in AK-5 cells which are induced into the apoptotic process by rotenone. These results suggest an important role for mitochondrial electron transport in the induction of apoptosis in AK-5 tumour cells.     

Suppression of tumourogenicity and overexpression of cell adhesion molecules in AK-5 cells transfected with wild-type p53 gene

We have previously shown overexpression of p53 and rearrangement of the p53 gene in AK-5 tumour. In order to study the role of p53 in AK-5 tumourogenicity, we introduced wild-type p53 in AK-5 cells. We have shown suppression of tumourogenicity in AK-5 cells after transfixion with wt p53. In one of the transfected clones 3B4, there was complete loss of tumour forming ability. Clone 3B4 also showed cellular aggregation which correlated well with the higher expression of cell adhesion molecules like fibronectin and hyaluronectin. These observations demonstrate tumour suppression in AK-5 after introduction of wt p53.